Join us for a transformative weekend at The Mesa Refuge, supporting writers, artists, and other contemplatives who work to heal the world in these dark times. Mesa alumnae Christian and Sarah will offer writing prompts to inspire personal exploration of this theme; they’ll share stories, poems and other resources to enrich discussion. The Mesa Refuge’s beautiful rooms and verdant grounds will shelter and enliven our time together. This retreat is especially suitable for writers and artists, at any level of expertise—but everyone is welcome.
We will begin with an introductory session, including a light meal, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday evening; we’ll reconvene from 10:00 to 4:00 on Saturday and from 10:00 to 3:00 on Sunday.

Registration:

The $325 fee includes supper on Friday evening; participants bring lunches on Saturday and Sunday. Registration, limited to twelve people, is on a first-come, first-served basis, with full payment by check required to hold your place at the time of registration. For cancellations requested no later than two weeks in advance, the fee is refundable, minus a $25 administrative charge.

Suggestions about local lodging options are available for participants traveling from beyond commuting range.

For more information and/or to register, please contact Sarah Rabkin via email (srabkin57@gmail.com) or at 831-475-7548.

Comments about Christian & Sarah’s previous retreats:

I loved the place, the space, the group interactions, the time spent writing in balance with time spent sharing. Most of all I loved the spirit, wisdom and generosity of Christian and Sarah.

The two of you work together beautifully, and I appreciate your warmth, the sense of welcome & reciprocity, and all the resources you so thoughtfully shared.

Instructors:

Christian McEwen is a British writer and workshop leader, currently based in Williamsburg, Massachusetts. She has edited four anthologies, including Jo’s Girls: Tomboy Tales of High Adventure, and has written for the Nation and The Village Voice. Her book World Enough & Time: On Creativity and Slowing Down is fundamental to the theme of our retreat.

Sarah Rabkin is the author and illustrator of What I Learned at Bug Camp: Essays on Finding a Home in the World. A longtime teacher of environmental and science writing at UC Santa Cruz, she now works as a freelance editor and leads workshops and retreats in soul-stirring places. Sarah grew up in Berkeley and currently lives near the shore of Monterey Bay with her husband, poet Charles Atkinson.